Changing climate patterns threaten the rare black grouse, with numbers believed to have fallen by 40% in two years in the Pennines. Consecutive cold, wet summers, the worst conditions in almost two decades, have set back recovery, with the number of males dropping from 1,200 to 850.

ANOTHER blast of Arctic-like weather is predicted for Scotland today, with blizzards and sub-zero temperatures expected to close schools and disrupt travel.

The Met Office warned there was a high risk of severe weather affecting parts of Scotland and northern England. Heavy and persistent snow is forecast, with up to 5cm in low-lying areas and up to 20cm on higher ground.